HMS’ Power Central, a systems integrator specializing in food packaging process optimization, is offering an Azure-based solution for food packaging. What used to take manufacturers 20 hours of analysis can now be done in less than 20 minutes, they claim.
Power Central’s SaaS application monitors exactly how much material is used during each production run, in real-time. This information is compared with the number of units produced and the amount of material returned to stock. Additionally, it measures the run time of any given line or machine. Information is collected automatically by reading machine data or semi-automatically with QR codes, eliminating manual-entry errors, notes HMS.
All collected data is refined into dashboards enabling the manufacturer to better understand their use of ingredients and machine utilization. As a result, the cost-per-product can be monitored day-to-day. In an environment where ingredient costs fluctuate daily, this information is critical to determining accurate costs.
The Ewon Flexy gateways from HMS Networks enable Power Central to capture data directly from machines during the production cycle. “By capturing information directly from machines, Power Central can eliminate human errors which are common in these production environments” said Viswanath Puttagunta CEO of Power Central. “Additionally, the act of monitoring the production process itself leads to better performance across the manufacturing staff.”
“HMS is excited to partner with Power Central and demonstrate this technology at Pack Expo," added Tom McKinney, director of engineering services at HMS. "Power Central is an example of how data can lead to optimized decision-making. The food-processing industry can benefit greatly from the Power Central system”
